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Leadership Lessons And Quotes From Thor: Ragnarok

A Reel Leadership Article

Chris Hemsworth reprises his role as Thor for the blockbuster movie Thor: Ragnarok. This is the third time Hemsworth has been featured in a stand-alone Thor film (surprisingly, I have not done a Reel Leadership article on the other 2 Thor films).

Thor: Ragnarok changes tones for the third film. Ragnarok feels more like a buddy comedy than full-on action/superhero. And that’s not a bad thing.

The previous Thor films ranked on the lower end of the Marvel Cinematic Universe for me. They always felt like a letdown. Thor: Ragnarok doesn’t. Instead, Thor: Ragnarok delivers.

Not only does Thor: Ragnarok deliver in laughs, action, and adventure, Thor: Ragnarok delivers in leadership lessons as well.

Caution: Thor: Ragnarok spoilers below

Leadership Lessons And Quotes From Thor: Ragnarok

1. Thor:

Because that’s what heroes do.

Surtur, a demon in the Ragnarok movie, had imprisoned Thor as Thor was looking for the Infinity Stones. Surtur lowers Thor out of his cage and begins taunting him. Eventually, Thor breaks free, defeats Surtur, and believes he’s prevented Ragnarok from happening.

He was wrong. But he also did what heroes and leaders do. He fought evil and did the right thing.

There are certain actions leaders take. They do these things day in and day out. Because that’s what leaders do.

For me, I’m in Michigan. Many people dislike Michigan because of the winters. Yet Michigan offers so much, even in its coldest days.

I find beauty in where I live and where I work. You can too.

Begin looking for the positives and beauty in where you’re located. Then learn to be content with it.

4. Bad leaders demand respect. Great leaders earn respect.

Ragnarok wasn’t to happen because of the demon Surtur. Instead, Ragnarok was going to happen because of Odin’s daughter Hela (Cate Blanchette). Hela had been imprisoned long ago to stop her blood-thirsty rampages.

When Odin passed, Hela was able to break free from her prison and begin a reign of terror.

She did what bad leaders often do. She wanted people to respect her. To get this respect, she DEMANDED their loyalty and respect.

This isn’t how great leaders get respect. They know you can’t force respect.

Great leaders know the key to gaining the respect of those they lead.

They treat their team members with repsect. They give clear direction and cast an empowering vision. Great leaders give hope.

5. Thor:

I’m not for sale.

Valkyrie (Tessa Thompson), a former Asgardian, brought Thor to Sakaar. Sakaar is a distant planet where The Grandmaster (Jeff Goldblum) holds gladiator matches with his combatants (or are they prisoners. Who knows, The Grandmaster will tell you they are not prisoners).

On Sakaar, Valkyrie offers Thor for sale to The Grandmaster. This is when Thor loses it. He is not for sale!

[Tweet “Great leaders will not be bought – #Leadership lessons from Thor: Ragnarok”]

This scene made me think of how there are leaders who will sell out for money. They will turn away from all they know to become famous or to earn more money.

Great leaders aren’t for sale. Their ideas and opinions cannot and will not be bought.

8. Great leaders remind people of their goodness:

Valkyrie had a tattoo. This tattoo was the mark of the Valkyrie on Asgard.

Thor saw this tattoo. He knew what he had to do. He had to remind Valkyrie of who she was.

There will be times when those you lead lose their way. Either a screw up will happen, the wrong words will be spoken, or another mistake will occur.

Don’t kill them for their most recent mistake. Instead, gently remind them of who they are. Bring to light all of the good they have done.

Be a leader who encourages their team instead of discourages their team. Remind people of who they are.

9. The Grandmaster:

What?!?

The Grandmaster put Thor into the arena against Thor’s buddy The Incredible Hulk/Bruce Banner (Mark Ruffalo). Thor was initially excited to see the Hulk until he realized the Hulk was out to get him. That’s when Thor began to fight back.

The battle looked like it would be a lop-sided battle with the Hulk destroying Thor. But the battle was more complicated. Thor was a valiant fighter and he knocked the Hulk around the arena.

This shocked The Grandmaster. He’d never seen this happen before.

[Tweet “Even great leaders will be shocked by their people – #Leadership lessons from Thor: Ragnarok”]

You will be shocked and surprised by the abilities of those you lead. Many people have hidden powers and skills you never see. When you do, you’ll be taken aback.

Because of their hidden skills, you’re missing out. Find ways to cultivate these hidden talents and grow your team members.

Offer time to explore personal interests on company time. Ask team members what they love to do outside of work and see how it ties in with their job. Inquire with other team members to see what they see in others.

You’ll be SHOCKED with how many skills each member of your team has. Be willing to let them use their talents!

10. Leaders fight for their friends:

The Hulk was on a rampage. He was angry and all he wanted to do was destroy so he could win.

But Thor knew there was more to the Hulk than the rage. There was a man inside. And he was a good man.

Thor began to fight for his friend. He encouraged the Hulk to let Banner out.

Thor did this through singing a soothing song. He talked with the Hulk. He made an effort to win his friend back.

Great leaders know the potential of the people they lead. He also knows their friends are important. So they fight.

They encourage their team members. They remind people of who they are. And they don’t give up the fight.

Disclosure of Material Connection: Some of the links in the post above are “affiliate links.” This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will add value to my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”